“RIVERKEEPER RESPONDS TO REPORT ON JOB LOSSES AT INDIAN POINT: Entergy’s Bottom Line More Important than Indian Point Workforce”
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Feb 4, 2005 •
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”FROM: RIVERKEEPER
Contact: Rubenstein Communications, Inc. – Public Relations
Maya Israel (212) 843-8003 cell: (917) 445-0183
For Immediate Release
RIVERKEEPER RESPONDS TO REPORT ON JOB LOSSES AT INDIAN POINT: Entergy’s Bottom Line More Important than Indian Point Workforce
Garrison, NY – Today, the environmental group Riverkeeper denounces any claims by Entergy asserting that the continued operation of Indian Point is good for the regional work force. As reported in a Poughkeepsie Journal news Friday, 200 Indian Point plant workers have been let go via early retirement and buy-out incentives since Entergy purchased the plants in 2000 and 2001. Entergy spokesman Jim Steets also indicated that the company will be considering more employee cutbacks over several years.
The following is a statement from Alex Matthiessen, Hudson Riverkeeper and Executive Director of the organization:
“It’s evident that Entergy’s only concern is its bottom line. For Indian Point workers, that means a loss of jobs. ‘Consolidating’ and ‘efficiency’ are corporate euphemisms for increasing profit margins by letting workers go. This continual whittling away of Indian Point’s workforce substantiates what we’ve been saying for years: this out-of-state corporation is only in the business of making money not protecting its workers or the public.
It is no secret that Entergy plays hardball with its workforce. Two looming strikes by Indian Point employees were averted in 2004 only after months of negotiations. Of top concern to workers were wages, benefits, and job security.
Entergy has lost the debate on plant safety and security. Now their slipshod record on labor has also come to light. It is clear that Entergy doesn’t value the livelihood of Hudson Valley workers and the beautiful region in which they live. If anyone had lingering doubts over the importance of Indian Point to the region, this startling revelation should finally convince them that Entergy is a company that we don’t want in our backyard.”“